Teaching our children to be self-aware starts with modelling it ourselves — even on the hard days.

Looking for a Christ-centred early learning community that helps nurture emotional intelligence and empathy in young children? View our locations and see how faith meets learning across Sydney.

Out of the Mouths of Children

I’d had a bad day at work and one of my children was testing my patience. Acting like a child myself, I shouted unfairly at her. Her response?

“Just because you are having a bad day, doesn’t mean you should take it out on me.”

She was right. I released my frustrations and anger onto her — and in that moment, I was invited to practise self-awareness.

What Is Self-Awareness, Really?

Self-awareness is “reflective conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires.” It’s the ability to pause, acknowledge, and name what’s happening inside — even when it’s uncomfortable.

When we can admit our emotions and take responsibility for our actions, it strengthens our relationships — with our children, spouses, and friends. It’s not weakness to be honest. It’s courage in action.

And if we don’t recognise our own failings, how can we expect others — especially our children — to learn?

At Integricare, emotional and spiritual development go hand in hand. Our Christian values encourage humility, empathy, and honest reflection — the foundation for lifelong growth.

So How Do We Teach It?

1. We practise it ourselves

• Has your ego taken a hit after a demotion? Say it.
• Feeling left out after being excluded from something? Share it.
• Jealous of a neighbour’s new car? Admit it.

When we model this, we show our kids that recognising emotions is normal, safe, and healthy. It explains our actions — and more importantly, it teaches them how to handle their own.

2. We ask them how they feel

Let them know their emotions are valid — and safe to express.

3. We teach them empathy

Encourage them to ask, “How do you think they feel?” or “What might be going on for them?”

Empathy and self-awareness work in tandem. And these are values we can nurture every day — in simple ways, with lasting impact.

Want more devotionals like this one? Visit our Christian Learning blog to see how faith meets real family life.

God Sees the Effort

Parenting can be the toughest job in the world — but it’s also the most rewarding. Hang in there, Mumma and Dadda. You’ve got this. It’s never too late to make changes and do things better.

Blessings,
Vetti x

Are you looking for a Christian Childcare Centre and Preschool Across Sydney?

We offer Christian early learning programs for children from six weeks to school age, with long day care and preschool services available at our:

• Early learning centre in Ashfield
• Childcare centre in Auburn
• Childcare centre in Blacktown
• Preschool in Brighton Le Sands
• Early learning centre in Northbridge
• Preschool in North Strathfield
• Childcare centre in Northmead
• Childcare centre in Parramatta
• Preschool in Pendle Hill
• Childcare centre in Rockdale Plaza
• Preschool in Rockdale
• Preschool in St Ives
• Preschool in Strathfield
• Early learning centre in Turrella

Wherever you are in Sydney, there’s an Integricare centre committed to delivering faith-based early education near you.